Hair clip

ABSTRACT

A hair clip may comprise a band configured to be bendable along a length of the band from a substantially flat shape to a substantially oval shape, the band comprising a first end and a second end. The hair clip may comprise a plurality of teeth projecting from the band along the length of the band. The hair clip may comprise a first fastening element disposed at the first end of the band and a second fastening element disposed at the second end of the band. The first fastening element and the second fastening element may be configured to engage with one another when the first end of the band and the second end of the band are brought together to hold the band in the substantially oval shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example hair clip according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example hair clip according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of example hair clip teeth according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example hair clip according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example hair clip in a bent position according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example hair clip in a bent position according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

Hair clips configured to adjust from a straight shape to an oval shape and hold hair in place are described herein. For example, hair clip embodiments may include a plurality of teeth configured and arranged to hold thick and/or coarsely textured hair in place. Some embodiments may be constructed of a durable yet flexible material so that they can be bent into a substantially oval shape and hold that shape, thereby providing stability when worn in a wearer's hair.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example hair clip 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Hair clip 100 may include a band 110. A plurality of teeth 120 may be formed integrally with band 110 and/or may be separate physical elements coupled to band 110. A fastening element 130 may be disposed on each end of band 110. Fastening elements may be formed integrally with band 110 and/or may be separate physical elements coupled to band 110. In the example of FIG. 1, fastening elements comprise a pair of c-shaped hooks formed integrally with band 110. Band 110 may be flexible but rigid enough to resist deforming when held in an oval shape by fastening elements 130, as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example hair clip 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the example of FIG. 2, hair clip 100 has a band 110 having a width of 0.19 centimeters. This specific configuration is provided as an example only, and band 110 may be of any width sufficiently narrow to fit comfortably in a wearer's hair. Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment with one row of teeth 120 running the length of band 110, but other embodiments may have multiple parallel rows of teeth 120 provided along the length of band 110. Rows may be staggered or teeth may be lined up next to one another in different embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of example hair clip teeth 120 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the example of FIG. 3, teeth 120 are evenly spaced along the length of band 110, with each tooth 120 being 0.08 centimeters wide and with 0.08 centimeters of space between each tooth 120. Each tooth may be 0.61 centimeters long. This configuration or similar configurations may be chosen so that the space between teeth 120 is great enough to allow hair to pass through, but narrow enough to prevent thick and/or coarsely textured hair from sliding laterally along the length of the hair strands past the teeth 120. Teeth 120 may also be spaced sufficiently far enough apart to allow band 110 to be bent into an oval shape, as discussed below. Such configuration may allow hair clip 100 to effectively hold coarse hair in place, while providing volume, when worn. This specific configuration is provided as an example only, and teeth 120 may be of any size and with any spacing that holds thick and/or coarsely textured hair while being comfortable to wear in a wearer's hair. Additionally, in some embodiments, teeth 120 may be rounded and/or may have rounded tips for wearer comfort.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example hair clip 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the example of FIG. 4, hair clip 100 has a band 110 having a length of 8.65 inches. This specific configuration is provided as an example only, and band 110 may be of any length sufficient to allow hair clip 100 to bend fully as discussed below while being short enough to fit comfortably and securely in a wearer's hair. For example, larger bands 110 (e.g., approximately 12 inches in length) may be used to allow people with thicker and/or more hair to use hair clip 100, and smaller bands may be used for children.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example hair clip 100 in a bent position according to an embodiment of the invention. Band 110 may be bendable as shown. For example, band 110 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic or nylon or other material so that it may be bent as shown in FIG. 5 but may return to a flat configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-4 when bending force is no longer applied to band 110. Other materials may be used in other embodiments (e.g., other plastics, plastic-algae blends, other natural materials, etc.). Band 110 may be a single piece and/or may include no metal or hinges in some embodiments. This may reduce the possibility of hair getting caught in hair clip 100 (e.g., within a hinge). As shown in FIG. 5, as band 110 bends, tips of teeth 120 may draw closer together in bent regions of band 110, thereby further securing hair between teeth 120.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example hair clip 100 in a bent position according to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 6, band 110 has been bent further than in FIG. 5, and fastening elements 130 have been engaged with one another. For example, a user may bend hair clip 100 around their hair and engage fastening elements 130 with one another, thereby securing hair clip 100 within their hair and positioning hair clip 100 to secure and shape their hair. In the example of FIG. 6, fastening elements 130 comprise a pair of c-shaped hooks that may be engaged and/or disengaged with one another by flexing band 110. The use of hooks may reduce the possibility of hair getting caught in hair clip 100 (e.g., within a fastening element). Other embodiments may use different fastening elements 130, such as hooks of a different shape (e.g., Z-shaped, V-shaped, square-shaped, etc.), snaps, Velcro, etc.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative embodiments.

For example, instead of or in addition to a band 110 made of flexible material, some embodiments may use a band comprising a plurality of sections coupled to one another by hinges or flexible regions so that the entire band can be bent in a similar fashion to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 using the hinges or flexible regions.

In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlight the functionality and advantages are presented for example purposes only. The disclosed methodology and system are each sufficiently flexible and configurable such that they may be utilized in ways other than that shown.

Although the term “at least one” may often be used in the specification, claims and drawings, the terms “a”, “an”, “the”, “said”, etc. also signify “at least one” or “the at least one” in the specification, claims and drawings.

Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include the express language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Claims that do not expressly include the phrase “means for” or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair clip comprising: a band configured to be bendable along a length of the band from a substantially flat shape to a substantially oval shape, the band comprising a first end and a second end; a plurality of teeth projecting from the band along the length of the band; a first fastening element disposed at the first end of the band; and a second fastening element disposed at the second end of the band; wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element are configured to engage with one another when the first end of the band and the second end of the band are brought together to hold the band in the substantially oval shape.
 2. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the band is formed of a bendable but rigid material.
 3. The hair clip of claim 2, wherein the material comprises a nylon or plastic material.
 4. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the band is a single piece.
 5. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the hair clip is formed without hinges and/or metal elements.
 6. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth are formed integrally with the band.
 7. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fastening element and the second fastening element are formed integrally with the band.
 8. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein each of the first fastening element and the second fastening element comprises a hook.
 9. The hair clip of claim 8, wherein each hook is a c-shaped hook.
 10. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein: the band is 8.65 inches long and/or 0.19 centimeters wide; and/or each of the plurality of teeth is 0.61 centimeters long and/or 0.08 centimeters wide; and/or each of the plurality of teeth is spaced apart from at least one other one of the plurality of teeth by 0.08 centimeters.
 11. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth are rounded in shape.
 12. A method of manufacturing a hair clip of claim 1, comprising integrally forming the band, the plurality of teeth, the first fastening element, and the second fastening element.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the band, the plurality of teeth, the first fastening element, and the second fastening element are formed from a single piece of material. 